After 31 years of employment at the Roswell Independent School District, eight of which serving as superintendent, Michael Gottlieb will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Gottlieb’s retirement will be effective June 30, 2012.

While he is uncertain of what he will do next, Gottlieb said his retirement will provide him with an opportunity to branch out from education. “I’ve been in education for 31 years and decided it was time to step back and look at what else is available,” he said.

Gottlieb addressed his retirement to RISD employees in a letter dated Nov. 9. “I am taking this opportunity to thank each of you for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me over the years. I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate the support provided to me during my tenure with the school district, “Gottlieb wrote in the letter.

Gottlieb said he will greatly miss all the RISD students. He has established a connection with these students through conversations where he listened to both their frustrations and aspirations. He said he will also miss his staff and has enjoyed working together to better the school district and raise standards. A highlight under his tenure was the passing of the general obligation bond in August. The bond will pay for 28 percent of the costs of remodeling, or in some cases replacing, four area elementary schools (Berrendo, Military Heights, El Capitan and Valley View), and the remodeling of Roswell and Goddard high schools and Parkview Early Literacy Center.

The RISD school board will handle the process of finding Gottlieb’s successor, he said.